Health Briefs

October 25, 1995
Web posted at: 5:50 a.m. EDT

Scientists grow 'human' ear on lab mouse

MASSACHUSETTS (CNN) -- Researchers in Massachusetts have
created something that sounds more like science fiction than
science fact. They've taken a prototype human ear made of
polyester fabric and human cartilage cells, and implanted it
on the back of a hairless mouse.

The mouse's tissue nourished the ear while the cartilage grew
to replace the fiber. Scientists hope the technology will
someday help them routinely regrow ears, noses, skin, bones,
and even internal organs.

Drug may permanently alter addicts' brains

ANN ARBOR, Michigan (CNN) -- Drugs and alcohol can cause
permanent changes in the brain's chemical messenger systems,
according to some scientists at the University of
Michigan-Ann Arbor. The researchers arrived at the theory
after experimenting on rats (332K AIFF sound or 332K WAV sound).

Kent Berridge from the University of Michigan says if the
theory is correct, that means an addict whose brain has been
altered by drugs is truly different from an ordinary person.
Berridge says the theory may explain why addicts want drugs,
even though they no longer derive pleasure from them. It may
also help doctors understand why some people crave drugs even
years after becoming clean.

More studies are still needed, but if the theory is proven
true, Berridge says it could mean finding a drug to treat
addiction will be very difficult, because the changes
to the brain is permanent. For medication to cure addiction,
it would have to somehow reverse those changes.